Council wins prestigious parks awards

Two of Auckland
Council’s regional parks have picked up prestigious Green
Flag Awards in Australasia’s first year of being part of
the global programme.

Tapapakanga and Ambury
regional parks are two of only 12 parks across Australia and
New Zealand to receive a Green Flag says acting Manager of
Parks, Sports and Recreation Mace Ward.

“We are
delighted to accept this accolade and be acknowledged as
providing high quality open space for Aucklanders.

“These two regional parks are fine examples of
recreation opportunities and conservation programmes
complementing each other.

“We are proud that
Aucklanders have access to some of the best parks in
Australasia.

“Congratulations also to the
Department of Conservation and our counterparts at Whangarei
District and Hamilton City Councils. For New Zealand to have
received seven of the 12 inaugural awards is a tremendous
effort,” he says.

David Clarke, CEO of Parks
Forum, the Green Flag accreditation agency, congratulated
Auckland Council on attaining the award and said that it
should consider itself alongside some of the world’s
highest quality parks

"Australia’s and New
Zealand’s natural environment has a lot to do with what
makes our countries special. Our parks provide a window to
the natural environment, and in a highly urbanised society
this is more important than ever.

“We know that
healthy, well managed parks mean healthier communities and
the Green Flag Award shows us which parks are setting the
standard,” says Mr Clarke.

The Green Flag Award is
an international award which assesses the quality of parks
across a number of categories, including their safety,
quality of the facilities, management of the environment
historical features, and as great places for people to play
and recreate.

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